Climate change : Christchurch City Council

Together we can reduce our emissions and prepare for the opportunities and challenges presented by climate change.

Climate change is the biggest challenge of our time. It is already affecting our weather, health and wellbeing, natural environment, taonga species, mahinga kai, food production, biosecurity, infrastructure, and the economy.

By everyone collectively committing to urgent climate action, we can create a better future for Christchurch and Banks Peninsula, and explore new opportunities as we transition to a low-emission, innovative and more sustainable city.

As a district, we need to reduce our carbon emissions and do what we can to mitigate the effects of climate change. We also need to prepare for the changes that are ahead of us and respond to the social, environmental and economic effects of our changing climate.

Our climate resilience strategy

Our commitment to providing strong climate action leadership in partnership with our communities is outlined in our new strategy Kia tūroa te Ao – Ōtautahi Christchurch Climate Resilience Strategy 2021 [PDF, 1.8 MB], a framework for collective action that will help Christchurch reach our target of net zero emissions by 2045. The strategy sets four climate change goals for the city which are underpinned by 10 climate action programmes

Council adopted this strategy on 21 June 2021. Read the Council report(external link) or more about the consultation(external link).

Over the coming months, we’ll work closely with our communities, Ngāi Tahu and the Papatipu Rūnanga, central government, stakeholders, businesses and organisations across Christchurch and Banks Peninsula to further develop and implement the action programmes.